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Celebrating the life of
Bonnie Anne Kubasta
December 14, 1949 - June 28, 2021
She loved having a good time with her friends and her pride and joy, her son Ethan.
Bonnie Anne Kubasta passed away on June 28, 2021 in Savannah, Georgia after battling cancer. Bonnie was truly one-of-a-kind—outgoing, funny and passionate. She was a loyal friend, an amazing professor, mother, and a mentor to many.
Bonnie was born on December 14, 1949 in Cleveland, Ohio to Anne and Emanuel Kubasta.
She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Art Education in 1972 and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1974 at The Ohio State University. In 1979, she achieved her Master of Fine Arts from Oregon State University.
Bonnie began her career teaching at Ohio Wesleyan University as an adjunct faculty in their BFA program, teaching metals and jewelry, as well as 3-D design. During this time, she also served as an adjunct instructor and lab technician at Ohio State University’s jewelry and metals program until 1988.
In 1994, she began her 28 year career at the Savannah College of Art and Design as a professor in the Metals and Jewelry department. She became chair of the department in 1995, and dean of SCAD’s newly-formed School of Design in 1996. Under her leadership, the school grew and its reputation excelled. After almost 10 years as dean, she returned to a faculty role and her beloved students. She touched the lives of hundreds of students and faculty whom were like family to her. Her sense of humor and vivacity was contagious and brightened the lives of those around her.
Bonnie was an accomplished goldsmith, contemporary jewelry maker, an avid reader and loved cooking, cycling, and spent many years adopting and training animals in need. She was always inspired by nature and loved spending time collecting things that inspired her work. She loved champagne and dumplings and was always ready to have a good laugh.
She loved having a good time with her friends and her pride and joy, her son Ethan. She always supported Ethan’s artistic passion and was so proud of all his accomplishments as an artist, sculptor, metal fabricator and husband.
Bonnie displayed such strength and a positive attitude throughout her illness. She found so much humor and joy amidst the challenges she endured. We will miss her sense of humor, laughter, and presence in our lives.
Bonnie is survived by her only son, Ethan E. Conlon and his wife Toni L. Dammicci of Atlanta, Georgia where they operate their own art and fabrication studio, Experience Collective Studios.
Ethan and Toni wish to thank so many people who supported and loved Bonnie through her illness, including her wonderful friends who visited and supported her. “We are heart broken and yet we remember the wonderful times we had together. We love and miss you Bonnie, until we see you again.”
A private, immediate family celebration of her life, near her home in Savannah, will fulfill her final wishes.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her name to the Savannah Humane Society.
We invite everyone to sign her guestbook with thoughts and memories.
Bonnie will be greatly missed. I was greatly saddened to hear this news. As a former chair of the furniture design program I had the pleasure to work closely with Bonnie for many years. She was always fun, inspirational, and a creative leader. My thought and condolences go to her family.
- Richard Prisco , Boone, Nc
We are deeply saddened for your loss. Bonnie was an important mentor and friend to so many in the SCAD community. Our condolences to you and your family.
- Keyes family, Savannah, GA
Bonnie will truly be missed. She was such an amazing professor and person who literally brightened up my day through conversation and laughter. I will never forget her amazing personality. Sending my prayers to your family during this time.
- Dierra Jones , Savannah , GA
My thoughts and prayers go out to your family. Bonnie was truly an amazing teacher, mother, animal-lover, and person, who encouraged so many to follow their dreams. I had the honor to learn under her at SCAD, and without her guidance, I would not be following a career in jewelry/metalsmithing. There are not enough words to say thank you for all the people she has inspired through her teachings. Her joy and enthusiasm will be greatly missed. My deepest condolences for your loss.
- Ashley Warsaw, Hilton Head , SC
Rest in peace. I attended at SCAD jewelry program about 14 years ago and still remember her that she was a great professor. She will be missed and my condolences to you and your family.
- Sung huh, Dallas, TX
Bonnie was, among those attributes listed in the full obituary, also a fount of wisdom. Her life experiences gave her a sense of empathy for all living things, and provided her with an inner core of iron strength and persistent will to live fully in the moment. Her life ended far too soon, as she had so much left to give: a new perspective, a helping hand, a willing ear, an overflowing heart. She taught us all, whether as a colleague, a student, a neighbor, a friend, or a family member, how to bring beauty into the world. Bonnie gifted me with a special pair of earrings some time back; now going forward, when I wear these, I will hear her laughter, her encouragement, and her dear observations about the life around her. Her memory is a blessing.
- LaRaine Montgomery, Savannah, GA
It took my breath away knowing Bonnie passed away. My days in Anderson Hall basement for jewelry are fondly remembered because of Bonnie. She was a great teacher and good listener. She will be greatly missed. My deepest condolences to Ethan and his wife.
- Kelly Kincaid-Lemmers , Amsterdam , Netherlands
I am very saddened to hear of the loss of Bonnie. She was such a lovely, generous and joyous colleague and friend to all. I am thankful to have known her. Love and healing hugs to her family, Natalija (former SCAD painting professor)
- Natalija Mijatovic , Vestal, NY
I am very saddened to hear of the loss of Bonnie. She was such a lovely, generous and joyous colleague and friend to all. I am thankful to have known her. Love and healing hugs to her family, Natalija (former SCAD painting professor)
- Natalija Mijatovic , Vestal, NY
Our hearts were saddened to learn of Bonnie's passing. While I had the pleasure of working with Bonnie for more than 20 years, and have a multitude of memories to call upon, I am most fond of the time we spent together at the SCAD Apiary in the summer of 2019. I was able to introduce Bonnie to the hives, she spent time in the garden, worked with us on a honey harvest....and helped prepare hundreds of honey straws for the fall faculty meeting. Our work moved quickly as we shared stories of nature, our time at SCAD - the many special activities and works, especially the commencement mace - artists, students, and exhibitions we most admired, projects dear to our hearts...and stories about motherhood - especially, the hopes and dreams for our children. Emma also had the opportunity to spend time with Bonnie while doing hive inspections, filling honey jars, and walking in the garden talking about all the colors. I am so grateful for the time we spent together. Emma and I extend our warmest condolences to Ethan and Toni - we hold you in our thoughts and prayers.
- The Trumbull family, Savannah, GA
A candle has been lit!
Fly high, my friend.
- Mary Ann Casem, Savannah , Ga
Ethan, Tom and I send our most heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Your mom was a beacon of joy to all. She will live on in your memories, triggered by all things beautiful!
- Tom and Jo Lamas, Savannah, GA
Bonnie was one of my favorite professors at SCAD. She had mor passion for my success than perhaps I did. She would drive me to be my best. And all the while she had a smile on her creating a motivating environment to learn in. She seemed like a great person and as I get ready to graduate I want all to know the impact she had on me, a more senior student who wasn’t sure what he was doing until entering her class. Thank you Bonnie. You are still and will always be missed.
- Michael Moore, Port Orange, FLORIDA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel
912-898-0900
- Services Will Be Private